Shadow Teacher – Special Educational Needs (Physical Support Focus)

Role Overview

As a Shadow Teacher, you will work 1-on-1 with a student who requires targeted assistance due to physical disabilities. Your primary goal is to foster the student's independence, facilitate their engagement in daily learning activities, and ensure their physical safety and comfort throughout the school day—all while promoting active inclusion with their peers.

Key Responsibilities & Functionality

1. Physical & Mobility Support

• Assist the student with classroom transitions, navigating school grounds, and moving safely between activities.
• Provide non-medical physical assistance with daily living activities as needed (e.g., mealtime help, bathroom support, or adjusting posture and seating).
• Ensure supportive equipment, wheelchairs, or assistive devices are properly positioned and utilized safely.

2. Classroom & Academic Adaptations

• Collaborate with the main class teacher to adapt fine-motor or physical tasks (e.g., scribing, handling learning materials, using specialized tools or software).
• Help the student access learning materials comfortably without performing the academic work for them.
• Maintain focus and engagement during individual and group instruction.

3. Social Integration & Emotional Support

• Encourage meaningful social interactions and collaborative play between the student and their peers.
• Support emotional well-being, helping the student build self-advocacy skills, confidence, and resilience.
• Foster a culture of dignity, respect, and independence.

4. Communication & Collaboration

• Work closely with classroom teachers, therapists (e.g., occupational or physical therapists), and the inclusion team.
• Keep detailed daily logs on the student's progress, challenges, and physical comfort levels.
• Maintain clear, empathetic, and professional communication with parents and caregivers regarding daily routines and developments.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Experience: Prior experience working with children, ideally in a shadow teaching, special needs support, or caregiving capacity (experience supporting physical disabilities is highly preferred).
• Skills: Strong physical stamina, patience, empathy, and active listening skills.
• Education: Background in Special Education, Child Development, Occupational/Physical Therapy assistant roles, or related fields is an advantage.
• Mindset: Flexible, proactive, and deeply committed to inclusive education principles.
• Languages: Fluent in English (additional local language skills are a plus).

Work Location: In person